Ethiopia Receives Valuable Treasures After a Century Stay in Germany
Exactly 12 cultural items were officially restored to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.
These artefacts, first gathered in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The assortment contained headpieces, armor and paintings, all considered as historically valuable in the nation.
"These artefacts still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and past tied to my parent's beginning."
These objects were either considered donations or purchases, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for practically showing their deep appreciation for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially securing their homecoming to their proper homeland," stated the official.
She noted that the items would soon be opened to the public for study and academic study, terming the move a milestone in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to return old artifacts that are held in the hands of collectors and organizations throughout the planet," the minister stated.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of historical objects were looted.
This request by African countries for the return of taken objects has been responded to by certain progress in the past few years - even if a number of objects are only on loan.
Back in the year 2022, the German government was the first state to return a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "troubled legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
- The Significance of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
